The 50 Most Welcome States in the USA

It's possible that at first the locals, even those in the countryside ), but it's a fascinating cultural crossroads, and if you can make it through the initial shock, you'll find that the neighborhoods in each of the five boroughs of New York City have a strong sense of community. Don't block the sidewalk or cause traffic delays by taking photos for Instagram, though.

As long as you're a local, Arkansas residents tend to be welcoming. While this is great for the state of Arkansas and its friendly locals, it may leave out-of-towners feeling uncomfortable and unwelcome.

It's true that Delaware is a relatively small state, and that it only takes about 90 minutes to drive across the entire state. Is our readership's perception of Delaware's unfriendliness based on the state's (possibly unfair) stereotype as a dull place to live? Sad to say, it's one of the least welcoming states in the USA.

The people of Massachusetts aren't intentionally rude, but their apathy toward tourists can be off-putting. Massachusetts isn't going to be on anyone's list of the friendliest states in America if its residents have a tendency to ignore them. Acceptance as a native Bostonian, rather than a tourist, can take years.

The Jersey way of life can come across as rude. And based on the results of this poll, it appears to be the case. The people of New Jersey are notoriously outspoken. The (likely) unfriendly gas station worker will at least pump your gas for you.

Washington State may be near the top of lists of environmentally-friendly states, but its human inhabitants are another story. Though Seattleites don't come across as rude, they do give off a "polite but unfriendly" vibe, earning the city its nickname, "Seattle freeze." Perhaps it's all the wet weather

Stunning scenery and a fiercely patriotic populace characterize the Granite State. However, this sense of pride is sometimes misinterpreted as arrogance by those from other cultures. It can be difficult to make friends among the locals, and the area's sparse rural population does not help.

Las Vegas, Nevada is in a state of extremes. When compared to more welcoming destinations like Reno, Las Vegas can be a cutthroat place to spend some time. On the whole, Nevadans are not particularly willing to go out of their way to assist a complete stranger.

Florida certainly has its work cut out for it if Miami is consistently ranked as one of the least welcoming cities in the United States. Orlando's tourist-friendly initiatives are a huge boon for the state, but Florida as a whole still has a ways to go before its reputation catches up.

Unless you've lived in Rhode Island your whole life, you probably won't be accepted as a true local. Readers of Big 7 Travel did not give Rhode Islanders high marks on the publication's "friendly scale." Even though local cashiers are more likely to smile in smaller communities, you shouldn't expect a warm welcome anywhere.

Readers of this publication disagree with the widespread belief that Californians are a friendly bunch. In terms of friendliness toward visitors, Los Angeles is no City of Angels. In fact, the city has an air of indifference that occasionally crosses into rudeness. Cities of a smaller size have a more relaxed atmosphere.

Even though Arizonans don't exactly exude the Southern-style warmth, they're chill enough to be ignored. There will be small talk among strangers while waiting in line, but no one will be overly happy to see you. A pleasant indifference to other people's feelings.

People from Connecticut are friendly and approachable despite their reserved demeanor and general niceness. Maybe not as much Although New Englanders have a reputation for being distant, they will still open doors for you and greet you warmly. Even though it's not the most culturally active state, its residents still manage to have fun at open mike nights and other gatherings.

Alaska may be remote, but the state's reliance on tourism means that locals are always happy to see visitors. The vast majority of Alaskans, with the exception of Native Alaskans, are immigrants who arrived in the state at some point. They may do so, or they may simply ignore you; either way, they are not rude.

It will come as a pleasant surprise to you how welcoming and friendly people in Montana are. Despite its large size, the entire state has the feel of a large town. No one will invite you over for tea, but they're still a nice person. There is friendly competition between the cities, with a warm welcome extended to visitors.

Virginia's increasing diversity is making the state even more inviting and friendly. The cultural mecca of Washington, D.C., may come across as traditional and wary to outsiders. C and other major cities, it's a great place to live.

Vermonters are known for being open-minded and friendly, making it a great place to meet new people. Since tourism is so important, residents will generally go out of their way to assist guests. The people of Vermont's small towns can be slow to warm up to newcomers, but once they do, you'll have friends for life.

North Carolinians, in the main, are pleasant and helpful to strangers and neighbors alike. Just about anywhere, from Walmart to the parking lot to a stoplight, you'll hear someone say "hi." One of the best things about the state is the diverse population it contains.

Utahns are known for their warm hospitality, so you should feel right at home here. The LGBTQ community can feel safe and accepted in Salt Lake City, as it is consistently ranked as one of the most welcoming large cities in the United States.

Our readership seems to agree that Mainers' warmth and the state's low crime rate make it an attractive place to settle down. Mainers, in contrast to their New England counterparts, are friendly and outgoing. When you get here, you'll notice this right away.

As you travel across the United States, you're sure to meet some interesting people, but West Virginians are among the most hospitable. The relaxed tempo of life here creates a friendly environment. There is a tight-knit sense of community in West Virginia because the state is largely isolated from the rest of the country by mountains.

Iowans have a reputation for friendliness and kindness due to their habit of greeting complete strangers with a smile and a wave as they pass them on the street. There's a genuine sense of community there, with friendly cashiers and farmers selling fresh produce on the side of the road.

Despite the state's reputation for friendliness, some major cities like Detroit and Ann Arbor can be extremely difficult to connect with. People here have a good sense of humor, are laid back, and are polite in that Midwestern way.

The population density of Maryland is high, and the state is also home to a wide range of cultural traditions. It welcomes strangers, making it a lively and social place to spend time. In a Baltimore bar, you are sure to meet some of your new best friends for life.

Wisconsin is a shining example of the best of the Midwest; its residents are known for their politeness, community spirit, and positive outlook. Green Bay is consistently ranked as one of the happiest cities in America, so its residents' easygoing demeanor is hardly surprising. Do the Packers play a role in this at all?

This may be one of the least-visited states in the United States, but that has nothing to do with the quality of its residents. People from North Dakota are friendly and helpful, and they don't expect anything in return. Readers were very complimentary of the state's friendly atmosphere.

The people of Oregon are widely known for their friendliness toward total strangers. The Portland hipster scene may be difficult to enter, but the people there are nice, I swear. As the most pet-friendly state in the USA, your dog is guaranteed a warm welcome.

The Magnolia State of Mississippi is a delightful place, full of warmth and hospitality. Most tourists are pleasantly surprised by the welcoming nature of Mississippians. Once you stop trying to convince them that life is better "up North," the locals will treat you like family and treat you like you always belonged there.

Before you've even said "hello," a Missourian will launch into a lengthy recounting of their life experiences. They're genuine in their friendliness and interest in conversing with strangers.

To put it simply, if you treat everyone you meet in Alabama with kindness, they will treat you with kindness in return. If you follow that simple guideline, you'll soon discover that Alabama is among the friendliest places in the United States. Just because they want to be nice, strangers will do nice things like hold the door open and help you carry your groceries to your car.

In South Dakota, you'll find a wide variety of thriving, progressive communities populated by actively involved, welcoming locals. Here, even in the largest cities, people are comfortable striking up conversations with total strangers about anything from the weather to the latest football game. The residents of this area are the very embodiment of the term "Midwestern Nice."

No matter what you're going through, people in Kentucky will treat you with kindness. No matter if you're a lifelong resident or a visitor, you can expect the same warm welcome from the community members. It's the unique warmth of Kentuckians' hospitality that will have you packing your bags for the Bluegrass State right away.

Cities like Philadelphia and Pittsburgh, which you might not immediately associate with friendliness, actually are. The slogan "You've Got a Friend in Pennsylvania" was coined for good reason, as residents here are among the friendliest people in the country. With regards to random acts of kindness, our readers ranked it highly. Look lost A friendly local is likely to assist you.

When visiting New Mexico, you can count on finding welcoming locals in almost any municipality. It's chill and full of different cultures. In addition, two New Mexico cities were among the 20 most LGBT-friendly retirement destinations in the country in 2018. In any case, there it is.

There are 10 people living here. This state in the southern United States has a population of over 3 million and a diverse landscape of urban and suburban areas, but its residents are known for their warm hospitality. Even in larger cities like Atlanta, getting to know people is simple. A majority of Big 7 Travel readers found Georgia to be a pleasant surprise.

Innumerable readers agreed with the widespread belief that Idahoans are among the friendliest in the country. The locals are genuinely warm and inviting, and not in a stalkerish way. It's true that Idahoans are known for their friendliness and willingness to help strangers.

Located in the middle of the United States, Illinois is home to welcoming people. Chicago has surpassed New York City as one of America's top destinations for tourists. Also, 19 of the safest cities in the United States are located in Illinois, making it a great state to visit.

Many Nebraskans are among the friendliest people you'll meet in the United States. There is a palpable sense of community everywhere you look, with people lending a hand to those in need. If you can master the 'one finger' wave while driving, you'll blend in like a native.

Locals make an effort to make visitors feel at home despite the area's recent history of natural disasters. Louisianans may come from many different backgrounds, but they all contribute to the state's reputation as one of the most welcoming and enjoyable in the United States.

Ohioans have impeccable manners and a genuine willingness to help one another, making the Buckeye State a shining example of the best of the Midwest. People in the area are friendly and will gladly recommend their go-to restaurant or watering hole to visitors. Also, there are many options for children to enjoy themselves here, making it a fantastic destination for families.

The hospitality industry in Hawaii is highly developed due to the state's strong focus on tourism. Popularity stems from its "Aloha Spirit," which emphasizes friendliness and hospitality. Everyone you meet in paradise will greet you with a friendly smile, so clearly paradise has a healing effect on the human psyche.

Oklahoma is one of the friendliest states in the United States, and its capital city, "The Big Friendly," is appropriately named. These folks are always up for a chat and will always look out for their own. Additionally, they are welcoming to outsiders.

Kansas is well-known for its welcoming residents and visitors alike, so feel free to strike up conversations with anyone you happen to meet. Because locals are so welcoming to visitors, the state is stunning.

An enjoyable state to visit, Colorado has a progressive vibe and some of the friendliest people in the world as a bonus. It's great for taking the kids, has a ton of interesting things to do, and will have you feeling more at home in no time. The warmth of this place is something you can feel the moment you arrive, whether you're in Denver or the suburbs.

The people of Indiana take great pride in their famous "Hoosier hospitality," in which they consistently go out of their way to help others. The locals are pleasant, humorous people. After just one trip, you'll realize that Indiana is so much more than a "fly over" state.

Though Wyoming is generally a calm state, its residents make it a lively and entertaining destination. Even in large cities, it is not unusual for a stranger to help you carry your groceries or free your stuck car from the snow. You should just leave the car unlocked. It's probably going to make it through unscathed.

People in Texas are very friendly and often say "Howdy" to strangers. Its reputation as one of the most welcoming places to visit in the United States is a testament to the fact that people "everywhere you go" will make you feel at home. The people in its big cities will make you feel like you've come home to a friendly small town.

The warm hospitality of South Carolinians is well known, and it's one of the reasons the state is so enjoyable to visit. The people of South Carolina epitomize the warm hospitality and generous spirit for which the South is famous.

Tennessee is a great example of classic Southern hospitality, with friendly locals who are always eager to show visitors around. When you factor in the state's thriving music industry, it's easy to see why it's widely considered to be one of the friendliest in the United States.

Finally, the most welcoming state in the United States is The people of Minnesota are so warm and welcoming that the state ranks first. There's a reason the state is nicknamed "Minnesota Nice"; the Twin Cities and surrounding areas have an inviting, friendly vibe that's hard to find elsewhere.